Ana loses to Serena in Cincy final

Ana was defeated 6-4, 6-1 by world No.1 Serena Williams in the Western & Southern Open final in Cincinnati.

Ana was playing her first Premier level final in five years, just 16 hours after finishing a breathless, epic semi-final against Road To Singapore leader Maria Sharapova.

A letdown in form appeared a real possibility, considering last night's exertions, but Ana began brilliantly. Firing winners off both wings and taking her backhand early, she led 3-1 and had two break points to earn a double-break.

She was unable to convert them, and that was unquestionably the turning point in the match: thereafter Ana won just two more games.

Serena served superbly, hitting 12 aces in a match that lasted just 63 minutes. During the on-court speeches, Ana joked that Serena had, "given me a serving lesson today".

Later she analysed the match thus: "I really felt she was really solid today. Not only on her serve, but on the groundstrokes I felt like she was dominating. I did have chance, especially when we started the rallies, but I just couldn't get the serve back.

"That actually created more pressure on my serve, and then my serve percentage dropped."

Despite today's defeat, Ana reflected on what was overall a great week. "It's amazing," she said, when asked about the effect reaching the final had had on her confidence.

"It's the biggest final I've been in in a while. It feels good to be part of it. I just want now to keep working hard and keep improving the areas that I can.

"There are still a few points in my game that I feel I need to work on for the US Open and also for the end of season. Definitely exciting times."